All-Star Game Selections: Judge and Harper Dominate Fan Voting
Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper have once again solidified their positions as two of baseball's most celebrated figures. As fan voting for the July 16 All-Star Game at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, came to a close, both players emerged as the leading vote-getters in their respective leagues.
Judge, known for his prodigious power and commanding presence, led all major leaguers with an impressive 3,425,309 votes in the first round of balloting. This marks his sixth American League start in seven All-Star appearances, a testament to his consistency and fan appeal. His absence from last year's game due to a sprained right big toe seems to have only intensified the fans' eagerness to see him back in action.
This year’s selection is particularly noteworthy for Judge as he becomes the 11th player to lead the majors in votes on multiple occasions since fan balloting resumed in 1970—an elite club that underscores his status as a perennial favorite among baseball aficionados.
On the National League side, Bryce Harper, with 3,277,920 votes, claimed the top spot and placed second overall in the big leagues. This will be his eighth All-Star Game appearance, with seven of those as a starter, highlighting his enduring status as one of the game's premier talents.
The Voting Process
The path to the All-Star Game has seen some changes over the years, with online voting now taking precedence. Fans had the opportunity to cast their ballots once every 24 hours from June 5 through last Thursday, ensuring a robust and engaging selection process. Harper and Judge's impressive vote totals reflect their massive popularity and the intense fan support they command.
The first phase of voting awarded starting spots to the top vote-getter in each league. It's a high-stakes competition, with the remaining starters set to be announced on June 30. The pitchers and reserves will follow on July 7.
Interestingly, the second phase of voting, which runs from noon EDT on Sunday to noon EDT on June 30, does not carry over votes from the first phase. This reset provides a fresh opportunity for fans to influence the final selections, adding an extra layer of excitement and anticipation.
Top Contenders and Surprises
The Baltimore Orioles and the Philadelphia Phillies each have six players advancing to the second phase, demonstrating the depth of talent within these franchises. Notable shifts include Kyle Schwarber overtaking Marcell Ozuna for the second spot among National League designated hitters and Ryan O'Hearn moving ahead of Giancarlo Stanton for second place in the American League designated hitter category.
The finalists for various positions reveal an intriguing mix of established stars and rising talents. For the American League, the catcher's spot is a battle between Salvador Perez and Adley Rutschman, while the first base position sees Vladimir Guerrero Jr. pitted against Ryan Mountcastle. In the second base category, it's a showdown between Jose Altuve and Marcus Semien.
The third base slot is contested by Jose Ramirez and Jordan Westburg, and the shortstop position features Gunnar Henderson against Bobby Witt Jr. Outfield candidates include Steven Kwan, Anthony Santander, Juan Soto, and Kyle Tucker. The competition for designated hitter comes down to Yordan Alvarez and Ryan O'Hearn.
National League Finalists
The National League catcher's position is contested by William Contreras and J.T. Realmuto. At second base, Luis Arraez faces off against Ketel Marte, while Alec Bohm and Manny Machado vie for the third base nod. Shortstop finalists are Mookie Betts and Trea Turner, transforming an already competitive category into a must-watch selection.
Outfield nominees include Nick Castellanos, Teoscar Hernandez, Brandon Marsh, Jurickson Profar, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Christian Yelich, reflecting a diversified field of talent. The designated hitter category sees an interesting rivalry between Shohei Ohtani and Kyle Schwarber.
The Anticipation Builds
As the All-Star Game approaches, the excitement continues to build. Fans eagerly await the announcements of the remaining starters and reserves, knowing that each vote has played a crucial role in shaping the rosters. The blend of fan favorites and emerging stars promises a memorable event, celebrating the very best of baseball talent and providing a midseason showcase that the sport so richly deserves.